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In 2013, Pennsylvania recorded the lowest number of car crash deaths in 85 years.

The 1,208 deaths in 2013 was more than 100 less than the amount who perished in car crashes in 2012, according to figures released by the state's Department of Transportation on Tuesday.

In stark contrast, Lackawanna County, at 23 deaths, suffered the highest annual total in six years, though the number is consistent with the long-term average.

But like the state, Monroe County enjoyed its lowest death total in years, at 25. Luzerne County saw 39 deaths within its borders last year, an average figure.

Fatalities from drunk driving crashes dropped statewide from 377 in 2012 to 342 last year, the lowest number since 1997, when the state began tracking it. Distracted driving deaths - including cell phone users - saw a slight increase, from 57 in 2012 up to 64 last year.

PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch lauded his department's $50 million safety investment over the last five years - including low-cost centerline and edge-line rumble strips - for cutting the death total. PennDOT also said it spends about $20 million annually in state and federal money for safety education and enforcement efforts.

"Though Pennsylvania has made significant progress in reducing highway crashes and deaths, our efforts to ensure that all travelers reach their destinations safely will remain paramount," Schoch said in a press release. "However, our efforts cannot reach their potential if drivers refuse to do their part by observing traffic laws and always using common sense on our roads."

pcameron@timesshamrock.com, @pcameronTT

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